Football History

It is a name that many have heard uttered, but few in this era really know who he was and Clarkk's importance to football. The legendary football player, Dutch Clark, is examined with his place in NFL history in this post.

College Career
Hailing from Colorado, Dutch Clark was a standout athlete at Colorado College.

His versatility was exceptional, as he excelled not only in football but also basketball and track and field. On the gridiron, Clark's dynamic playmaking abilities quickly garnered national attention. His 1928 season was particularly remarkable, where he amassed 1,349 rushing yards and 103 points, earning him the distinction of being the first Colorado native to claim first-team All-American honors. Beyond his athletic prowess, Clark also served as a coach at Colorado College, demonstrating his early aptitude for leadership.  

Road to the Pro Game
Dutch Clark's professional football journey began with the Portsmouth Spartans, where he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier talents. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility, he was a nightmare for opposing defenses. Clark's impact was so significant that he was granted a leave of absence from his coaching duties at Colorado College to focus on his NFL career.  

His tenure with the Spartans, which later evolved into the Detroit Lions, was marked by consistent excellence. Clark's ability to excel as both a runner and passer made him a multifaceted threat. His leadership qualities were also evident as he took on a player-coach role during his later years with the team.  

Football Legacy
Dutch Clark's legacy in football is undeniable. As a player, he was a pioneer, showcasing a level of skill and athleticism that was ahead of his time. His impact on the game extended beyond his playing days, as he transitioned into coaching with success. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 is a testament to his enduring influence.  

Clark's story is one of perseverance, talent, and leadership. He overcame challenges and excelled at every level of the game. His contributions to the sport have left an enduring mark, and his name remains synonymous with football excellence.

The official link to get connected with David Neil Drew's book on the Sewanee Tigers football team of 1899 and their amazing road trip.

Louis Santop wasn't just a powerful slugger and agile catcher; he was the first true home run king of Black baseball. Born in Texas, he burst onto the scene in 1910, forming a "kid battery" with fellow rookie Dick Redding.

Though statistics remain incomplete, his dominance is undeniable. He averaged over .350 and smashed monstrous homers. His career stretched across various teams, culminating in four stellar years with the Hilldale Daisies. While towering over the competition at 6'4", Santop wasn't just muscle. He was a skilled leader, named the All-Star catcher five times, and earned a better-than-average salary for his draw.

His legend extends beyond statistics. He faced down fireballs from Smoky Joe Williams and Cannonball Redding, broke Oscar Charleston's ribs in a fiery altercation, and even held his own against the legendary Josh Gibson as far as hitting the long ball. He was a box office sensation, mesmerizing fans with his power and grace.

Though denied the opportunity to shine in the segregated significant leagues, Santop's impact on Black baseball is undeniable. He paved the way for future stars, proving the incredible talent unjustly hidden from mainstream audiences. In 2006, his legacy was finally recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Born April 25, 1927, in Hector, Minnesota, was Minnesota’s Gustavus Adolphus tackle Calvin Roberts. With Roberts in the lineup, the Golden Gophers won three consecutive league titles and boasted a 23-1 regular season record per footballfoundation.org.

The 1951 team was undefeated as Roberts won the first of his two All-America honors and became a three-time All-MIAC selection. The National Football Foundation selected Calvin Roberts for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Calvin was drafted by the New York Giants, but an illness prevented him from taking on competition at the professional level. Therefore Roberts then entered the Marine Corps where he was named to the All-Marine Corps team while playing for the El Toro Marines. Calvin later became a line coach at Augsburg College for a short period before entering a role as a teacher in physical education.  

George "Mike" Wilson’s football career at Lafayette College was nothing short of legendary. Emerging as a sophomore, Wilson quickly became a dominant force on the field. His 1926 season, in particular, stands as one of the most prolific in college football history.

That year, Wilson led Lafayette to an undefeated season, scoring an astonishing 20 touchdowns. His electrifying runs, including a 69-yard touchdown in the opening game of the season, captivated fans and solidified his status as a national star. Beyond his offensive prowess, Wilson was also a versatile athlete, excelling in baseball and wrestling.

Wilson's impact extended far beyond the gridiron. He served his country with distinction in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of brigadier general. His legacy as a football hero and decorated war veteran cements his place as one of Lafayette College’s most revered figures.

The Akron Pros were a foundational force in the early days of professional football. Emerging in 1908 as the Akron Indians, they transitioned to the Pros on August 20, 1920, becoming a charter member of the American Professional Football Association, later renamed the NFL.  

The team's most celebrated season was their inaugural year in the APFA. With a formidable defense that allowed a mere seven points all season, the Pros captured the league championship. Their roster included legendary figures like Fritz Pollard, who later became the NFL's first Black head coach.

While their dominance was short-lived, the Akron Pros left an enduring mark on the sport, contributing significantly to its evolution and laying the groundwork for the professional football league we know today.

Born May 1, 1930, in Trinity, Texas, was the University of San Francisco’s stud halfback of 1949 to 1951, Ollie Matson. Matson, a trailblazer in the realm of professional football, left an indelible mark on both the college and pro game. Hailing from Georgia, Matson's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He attended the University of Georgia, where he excelled as a running back, earning All-American honors.

Ollie finished as a contender for the Heisman Trophy. After that season, he turned around and won the silver and bronze medals in the 1952 Olympic Games! The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Ollie Matson in their legendary museum in 1976. In 1952 Matson was the number one overall pick by the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL Draft.

Matson's college success translated seamlessly to the professional level. Drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in 1952, he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier running backs. Known for his elusive running style, Matson's ability to make defenders miss tackles and find open space was unmatched. He consistently led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, earning numerous Pro Bowl selections and even winning the NFL MVP award in 1955.

Beyond his individual accomplishments, Matson also played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers in the NFL. As one of the first African American players to achieve widespread success and recognition, he helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes. Matson's contributions to the game extended beyond the field, as he became a respected figure in the community and a role model for aspiring athletes. His legacy as a pioneering running back and a trailblazer in the fight for racial equality will continue to inspire future generations.

He played well for the Cards but was traded to the Rams in 1959 for nine players! You can learn more about that trade here. Ollie racked up over 12,000 yards of total offense in the League and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Sonny Jurgensen wasn't your typical gunslinger quarterback. He wasn't known for scrambling or extending plays; his magic resided in his pinpoint accuracy and a throwing arm that earned him the nickname "The Cannon from Carolina." Jurgensen's 18-year career, spent with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, solidified his place among the finest pure passers in NFL history, culminating in his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

Born August 23, 1934 - Jurgensen's journey began in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he excelled at multiple sports before heading to Duke University. Drafted by the Eagles in 1957, he spent his first few seasons as a backup, honing his craft. However, upon becoming the full-time starter in 1960, Jurgensen exploded. He led the league in passing yards twice with the Eagles, showcasing his exceptional ability to dissect defenses. His throws, a mix of bullets and lasers, found receivers in tight windows with remarkable consistency.

In 1964, Jurgensen was traded to the Washington Redskins, a move that would define his legacy. Here, he flourished under head coach George Allen, who built an offense around his strengths. Jurgensen thrived, leading the league in passing yards three times for the Redskins and even tying Johnny Unitas' single-season touchdown record in 1961 with 32. His five Pro Bowl selections and career passer rating of 82.6, the highest for any player in the pre-1978 "Dead Ball Era," stand as testaments to his dominance.

Jurgensen wasn't just about statistics. He was a leader, a steadying presence on the field. He demanded the best from himself and his teammates, but he also had a playful side. His famous "hot dog" celebration, where he mimicked throwing a hot dog to the stands after a touchdown, became a fan favorite.

While Jurgensen never won a Super Bowl, he left an undeniable mark on the game. He was a pioneer in the world of the modern quarterback, a player who relied on his arm and tactical brilliance rather than mobility. His influence on the game is undeniable, inspiring generations of quarterbacks to prioritize precision passing.

Even after his retirement, Jurgensen remained a fixture in the NFL world as a broadcaster. His insightful commentary and infectious enthusiasm for the game solidified his status as a legend, not just for the Washington Redskins or Philadelphia Eagles, but for the entire NFL. Sonny Jurgensen was, and remains, a true gunslinger, a master of the aerial assault, and a deserving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Forget flashy interceptions and highlight-reel pick-sixes. Aeneas Williams, the "Shutdown Corner King," ruled the gridiron with a different kind of dominance – relentless defense, suffocating coverage, and an unwavering commitment to shutting down the league's best receivers. This essay tackles the remarkable career of Williams, a cornerback whose impact on the game transcended statistics and earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

-Early Life, From Small-School Star to NFL Champion

Born January 29, 1968 - The great defensive back from Southern University, Aeneas Williams was born. He honed his skills at Southern University, racking up interceptions and showcasing exceptional technique.

-NFL Career

Drafted in the third round by the Phoenix Cardinals (later Arizona Cardinals) in 1991, Williams wasn't a household name. But his talent was undeniable. The Cardinals saw his potential, and Williams quickly blossomed into a lockdown corner. His career highlights are a defensive coordinator's dream.

-Eight Pro Bowls: A testament to his consistent excellence, Williams was a constant presence among the league's elite defensive backs.

-NFL interceptions co-leader (1994): He shut down opposing offenses with such efficiency that he shared the league lead in interceptions alongside some of the most feared defenders of his era.

-Three First-Team All-Pro selections: His dominance wasn't just respected, it was undeniable. These honors showcase the years where he was considered the absolute best at his position.

-Super Bowl Champion (St. Louis Rams, 2000): While his career was primarily spent with the Cardinals, Williams found championship glory later in his career with the St.. Louis Rams.

-Beyond the Stats

A Masterful Technician: What truly set Williams apart was his technique. His footwork was impeccable, allowing him to mirror even the most elusive receivers. He possessed exceptional ball skills, consistently breaking up passes and coming away with interceptions. Most importantly, Williams had the mentality of a true shutdown corner – he wasn't afraid to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupt their routes all game long.

Aeneas played in the NFL for 14 seasons after being the Arizona Cardinals 3rd round pick in 1991. For his first 12 seasons, he manned the cornerback position and then moved to Safety for his final two years.

Williams played in 8 Pro Bowls and recorded 55 career interceptions with 807 yards returned off of them. One of his highlight moments occurred in a 2000 game against Washington when he returned a fumble 104 yards for a score. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Aeneas Williams in 2014.

Troy Aikman's name is synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys' golden era of the 1990s. Drafted first overall in 1989, Aikman stepped into a struggling franchise desperate for a leader. Despite early growing pains, his talent and composure shone through. Alongside his explosive teammates, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin, Aikman orchestrated a period of dominance that cemented his place among the NFL's greats.

Aikman's leadership qualities were evident early on. He possessed a calm demeanor under pressure, a sharp football mind, and an uncanny ability to connect with his receivers. Under the guidance of coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys transformed from a bottom-dweller to a perennial contender. Aikman's accuracy and poise were crucial to their success. He wasn't the flashiest quarterback, but his efficiency and decision-making were invaluable.

The pinnacle of Aikman's career came with three Super Bowl victories in the early 1990s (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX). He was named Super Bowl XXVII MVP, leading the Cowboys to a decisive win over the Buffalo Bills. This marked the first of their two consecutive Super Bowl victories, establishing the Cowboys as a dynasty. Throughout this period, Aikman racked up individual accolades, including six Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as one of the league's most clutch quarterbacks.

While injuries hampered his later years, Aikman retired in 2000 with a legacy of excellence. He holds numerous Dallas Cowboys passing records, including most career passing yards and touchdowns. His calm leadership and strategic mind were instrumental in the Cowboys' resurgence and solidified his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006).

Beyond the statistics, Aikman's impact extended to the game itself. He ushered in a new era of precision passing and helped redefine the quarterback position. His success story, from struggling rookie to championship leader, inspires young quarterbacks. Troy Aikman's career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the ability to win the most significant games when it matters most.